# NTSB LAX90LA312: Robinson R-22, N4019S, Lancaster, CA, September 2, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 1, 1990, 19:40 local (Sep 2, 1990, 02:40 UTC)
- Place: Lancaster, CA
- Coordinates: 34.719066, -118.149925 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7191&lon=-118.1499&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26913
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA312
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26913/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA312

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO ATTEMPT A TAKEOFF WHEN THE AIRCRAFT CAPABILITY WAS EXCEEDED BY WEIGHT AND DENSITY ALTITUDE.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - aircraft performance,takeoff capability - exceeded (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - performance data - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate training, company/operator management (contributing factor)
  - lack of recent experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Roll over, takeoff

## Analysis

THE 180 HOUR CERTIFICATED PRIVATE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF OVER GROSS WEIGHT AND AT A HIGH DENSITY ATLTITUDE. WITNESSES REPORTED SEEING THE HELICOPTER FLYING VERY ERRATIC, PITCHING FORWARD AND AFT AND SIDE TO SIDE BEFORE IT LANDED HARD AND ROLLED OVER. THE PILOT STATED TO INVESTIGATORS THAT HE WAS TAKING OFF APPROXIMATELY 100 YARDS WEST OF THE CRASH SITE WHEN THE RPM LIGHT CAME ON AND THE HELICOPTER BEGAN TO STALL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4019S (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ROBINSON R-22
- Category: Helicopter
- Serial number: 1398
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2C 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Briles Wing And Helicopter

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 180 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 10 knots
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: WJF

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19900901037809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900901037809A), Sep 1, 1990: Robsin R22, Lancaster, CA, Substantial damage. Took off over gross wt. Igh density altitude. Observed erratic flight roll in pitching up. Rotor decay. Crashed.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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